Thursday, December 22, 2011

Belgium - firemen hose ministry in pensions protest "Pas d'accord!!" ... "We don't agree!" read the slogan.

Published on Dec 22, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ "Pas d'accord!!" ... "We don't agree!" read the slogan.

The protester carrying the large red billboard was referring to Belgium's planned pension reforms.

Opposition to government austerity measures has seen the country hit by a general strike, causing severe disruption to the public sector.

As well as public transport, schools, hospitals and other services such as post offices have been affected.

Portugal - Fulfills the terms of its EU-IMF bailout, by selling a major chunk of the country's biggest company to the Chinese.

Published on Dec 22, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Portugal has taken the first step to fulfilling the terms of its EU-IMF bailout, by selling a major chunk of the country's biggest company to the Chinese.

The government is getting rid of most of its stake in the electricity firm EDP - more than 21 per cent - to China's Three Gorges Corporation for 2.7 billion euros.

The remaining four per cent of the government holding can not be sold until next year.

On top of that Three Gorges will provide a further four billion euros in financial support, and has promised to build a wind-turbine factory.

Russell Grant's Daily Horoscopes for Friday 23rd December 2011

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Aries (Mar21/Apr20) Even if you're exhausted from work, you have a hard time slowing down. Turn off the computer, switch off your mobile, and avoid television. Listening to soft music can be therapeutic. So can reading, baking, or craftwork. Keeping your hands busy will allow your mind to wander, making it easier to release all the tension that has built up. It's time to adjust your focus so you can see the whole forest instead of the individual trees.
  .
Taurus (Apr21/May21) You're ultra competitive now, but won't be able to find someone with whom to spar. Instead of issuing challenges, sit back and go with the flow. Christmas is a time to come together in a spirit of harmony. You'll be able to put your talent to the test in the New Year. Avoid going deep into debt. If you want to give someone a beautiful gift, make one with your own two hands. Your eye for colour, texture, and form allows you to make gorgeous works of beauty.
  .
Gemini (May22/Jun21) A couple of relatives will be at each other's throats. Resist the urge to get in the middle of this argument. Nothing you do or say will make a difference. You're better off making a strategic retreat. Head off somewhere quiet with a good book. Too often, your nearest and dearest rely on you to referee their fights. This is an emotionally draining role. Channel your energy into activities that fuel your spirits. Others will complain you're being insensitive, but you're too smart to fall for such manipulations.
  .
Cancer (Jun22/Jul23) Resist the urge to find fault with a colleague. The Christmas season is upon us, calling us to put aside our differences for the sake of harmony. You've always been a perfectionist, and can't abide sloppy work. While your desire for excellence is admirable, it can get in the way of good relationships. Think about ways you can promote cooperation without sacrificing quality. Get into the habit of praising people's talent. Ask for help when you're struggling with projects that give you trouble.
  .
Leo (Jul24/Aug23) You'll have to fight for money that is owed to you. You've given your debtor plenty of time to make up the difference. Now their excuses are wearing thin. The threat of legal action could tilt the tide in your favour. Alternatively, you can bring up the spectre of negative publicity. Ordinarily, you would have compassion for someone who can't pay their bills. In this situation the delinquent behaviour is the result of sheer laziness. Don't stand for this nonsense any longer.
  .
Virgo (Aug24/Sep23) You're intent on getting started on a household project, but hold on. Everyone is having so much fun with Christmas festivities that they don't want to help. Instead of throwing a temper tantrum, give in gracefully. You can always launch this plan in 2012 when your relatives will be more amenable to your plans. Yes, your home needs some work. The sooner you stop obsessing over your physical surroundings the easier it will be to enjoy the close ties keeping your family together.
 
Libra (Sep24/Oct23) Bottling up your anger is never a good idea. Lately, you've been harbouring a lot of resentment towards a relative or neighbour. It's bound to come out in some subversive way. Try channelling your frustrations into a physically demanding project. An exercise program will relieve lots of stress. If you're not in good shape, choose a gentle form of exercise like yoga, swimming, or walking. The mere act of moving your body will release tension that is being stored in your muscles.
  .
Scorpio (Oct24/Nov22) This is not the time to stir up trouble among friends. Sometimes you enjoy needling the more sensitive members of the group, just as a form of affectionate teasing. Be aware tempers are running high. What you say in jest will be taken the wrong way. It's better to offer gentle encouragement, especially to a friend who has embarked on a serious course of study. Their classes may seem silly to you, but they're actually a salvation to your loved one. Behave accordingly.
  .
Sagittarius (Nov23/Dec21) Ambition will get the better of you if you're not careful. Now is not the time to be making career plans. You should be focused on domestic pursuits, like making this Christmas one of the best on record. Invite the youngsters to get involved; giving them small tasks will fill them with pride. You can always lobby for a promotion in 2012, when everyone's thoughts return to work. In the meantime, gather together your best work samples and compile a list of references.
  .
Capricorn (Dec22/Jan20) Avoid controversial topics like religion and politics. You have strong opinions, but don't need to voice them at every social gathering. Right now, you must focus on building bridges, not burning them. If you're offended by a relative's lifestyle, remain silent. Nobody likes to be judged. It's possible this family member will make insensitive remarks at a big dinner. Instead of pouring petrol on the fire, steer the conversation in a more pleasant direction.
  .
Aquarius (Jan21/Feb19) This isn't a good time to make a pass at a friend. Although you really want to take this relationship to the next level, the object of your affection isn't ready. Besides, the two of you aren't very well suited to each other. You get along great outside the bedroom, but once sex is thrown into the mix, it will be a whole different story. Your friend needs lots of reassurance and encouragement. This insecurity will start wearing on your nerves.
  .
Pisces (Feb20/Mar20) You're tired of being bossed around all the time. It's particularly embarrassing to be yelled at in public. Unless you take a stand, this trend will continue. Somewhere along the line, you convinced yourself that passivity is critical to a harmonious relationship. Nothing could be further from the truth. By standing up for yourself, you will command the respect you deserve. You'll also be able to pursue the activities you enjoy, rather than deferring to your partner's plans all the time.
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Turkey - denies the deaths amount to genocide, the controversial killing of Armenians in 1915 at the end of the Ottoman Empire.

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ A row is brewing between France and Turkey over a parliamentary vote in the French lower house which is expected to outlaw denial of genocide.

Although not named in the bill it will cover the controversial killing of Armenians in 1915 at the end of the Ottoman Empire.

Turkey denies the deaths amount to genocide.

USA - Barack Obama says that Republicans must pass a bill to extend the payroll tax cut or see taxes on American households rise in 11 days.

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
Barack Obama says that Republicans must pass a bill to extend the payroll tax cut or see taxes on American households rise in 11 days.

Britain - Queen joins ordinary passengers to travel by train from London to Kings Lynn in Norfolk en route to Sandringham

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
The Queen joins ordinary passengers to travel by train from London to Kings
Lynn in Norfolk en route to Sandringham where she will be spending
Christmas.

Brazil - two-headed baby is born healthy in Brazil with a single heart but two functioning brains

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
A two-headed baby is born healthy in Brazil with a single heart but two functioning brains.

USA - Pilot of a small plane that crashed on a New Jersey highway & killed all 5 people on board

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by
The pilot of a small plane that crashed on a New Jersey highway and killed all five people on board told air traffic controllers he was accumulating ice as he ascended, federal investigators said Wednesday. (Dec. 21)

Today in History for December 22nd Uprising topples Romania's Nicolae Ceausescu; Richard Reid tries ...

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by
Uprising topples Romania's Nicolae Ceausescu; Richard Reid tries to set off explosives in his shoes on an American Airlines flight from Paris to Miami; French army officer Alfred Dreyfus is convicted of treason; Pop star Madonna marries film director

Japan - Tokyo Olympus buildings raided in accounting scandal that hid 1.3 billion euros of losses from shareholders

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ Dozens of investigators have raided buildings belonging to the Japanese company Olympus in Tokyo.

Their inquiry revolves around an accounting scandal that hid 1.3 billion euros of losses from shareholders and customers over the last two decades.

Investigators also headed to the luxury development where a former company president lives.

The inquiry is a joint effort by Tokyo's police, prosecutors and financial regulators.

Spain - Spanish prime minister Mariano Rajoy has chosen mostly close advisers to make up his cabinet

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by
http://www.euronews.net/ The new Spanish prime minister has chosen mostly close advisers to make up his cabinet, which has the unenviable task of reviving a floundering economy and keeping the country solvent.

Mariano Rajoy has already promised deep spending cuts across government departments to cut the deficit.

His enforcer will be Luis de Guindos at the head of the economy ministry. A former executive at the ruined bank Lehman Brothers, he will be seeking to sell more austerity to a country where one in five is jobless.

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Chris Rene and Avril Lavigne perform "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne - Finale Night 1 - DuetTheXFactorUSA 2011

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
Chris Rene and Avril Lavigne perform "Complicated" by Avril Lavigne.

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/chris-rene
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Josh Krajcik and Alanis Morissette perform "Uninvited" by Alanis Morissette - Finale Night 1 - DuetTheXFactorUSA 2011

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
Josh Krajcik and Alanis Morissette perform "Uninvited" by Alanis Morissette.

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/josh-krajcik
http://bit.ly/TheXFactorUSA (Official Site)
http://bit.ly/TheXFactorUSA_FB ('Like' on Facebook)
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Melanie Amaro and R. Kelly perform "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly - Finale Night 1 - DuetTheXFactorUSA 2011

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
Melanie Amaro and R. Kelly perform "I Believe I Can Fly" by R. Kelly.

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/melanie-amaro
http://bit.ly/TheXFactorUSA (Official Site)
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Chris Rene performs his original "Young Homie" - Finale Night 1 - TheXFactorUSA 2011

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
Chris Rene performs his original "Young Homie."

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/chris-rene
http://bit.ly/TheXFactorUSA (Official Site)
http://bit.ly/TheXFactorUSA_FB ('Like' on Facebook)
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Josh Krajcik performs "At Last" by Etta James - Finale Night 1 - TheXFactorUSA 2011

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
Josh Krajcik performs "At Last" by Etta James.

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/josh-krajcik
http://bit.ly/TheXFactorUSA (Official Site)
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Melanie Amaro performs "Listen" by Beyonce - Finale Night 1 - TheXFactorUSA 2011

Uploaded by on Dec 21, 2011
Melanie Amaro performs "Listen" by Beyonce.

http://www.thexfactorusa.com/contestants/melanie-amaro
http://bit.ly/TheXFactorUSA (Official Site)
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